Zurich, Switzerland

Large swathes of the narrative present are set in Zurich, Switzerland. G.G. first travels to Zurich in Part I in order to find Gaustine. After months of waiting to hear from him, Gaustine sends G.G. a postcard summoning him to Zurich. On G.G.'s final day in the city, he encounters a man named Mr. S. at a local café who helps him find Gaustine and the clinic.

Gaustine establishes the clinic of the past in Zurich, because he believes the Swiss people would be most amenable to the concept. Indeed, the clinic soon proves to be a success with the local population. G.G. also believes that Zurich is one of the best cities to grow old and to die.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria is where G.G. is from and where he grew up. He returns to Sofia in Part III. While...